(1) Mini debates: Cell phones in the classroom. We'll first have a short listening exercise when reading the debate topic; then doing new vocabulary and answering a few questions about the topic; and lastly we'll enter into debate in groups of 4 students each. You have to read through the attached worksheet to make a proper comment.
(2) News by Tara. You know now how to get to the news item (I explained the route in the previous lesson). This would only take about 5 minutes of the class. A few students would be asked to tell the class about Tara's latest news bulletin. You don't have to mention this in your comment - but pse don't forget to listen to the news and familiarize yourself with it.
M - W9b - Mini debates - Cell phones in the class.pdf
Replies
That is true, Hou Jialei, that cell phones are useful tools in some classes, like a language class where you need a dictionary. Not all students get money for a dictionary, but all students get cell phones (the universities give them for free when they enroll, amongst others). And all cell phones these days have dictionaries on them. But, I was wondering ... I am sure all students already have their own cell phones by the time when they get to university. So, now they get a new one for free from the university (although not a good one, I understand) ... What do they do with two cell phones now?! Do they sell the new phone (as it is mostly inferior to their own phones)? Why do they then not buy themselves an e-dictionary if they know they are going to study English too? I was just wondering about that! :)
Haha Katrina, maybe it worked for your class at Senior High, but I don't agree with that teacher that students at high school are already adults! Even at university they are mostly still immature because of the education system that places a student's emotional development about 5 to 6 years back due to the control and extensive studies during those school years. But I guess she was successful as she earned the trust of the students by trusting them with such a big responsibility. In that way she was a very smart teacher! ;-)
I agree, students shouldn't bring their phones to the classrooms; but how does one prevent them from doing it?! The education authorities even encourage the use of cell phones by giving the students phones for free when they enroll. So, preventing them from taking it to class is now impossible. But I think the education authorities need more discipline than the students ...!
That is also true, Zhang Ke, that most (if not all!) students are addicted to their cell phones. So, it is too late now to try to separate students from their phones. In fact, the education authorities even encourage them to have phones as they get free phones when they enroll at the universities. So, the authorities are actually to blame for the bad situation in the classrooms with phones. I think the only class that justifies the use of phones, is a language class where you can use it as dictionary. But then, of course, many students don't have sufficient self-control ...!
You are absolutely correct that students shouldn't take their phones to the classrooms, BUT, tell me of ONE student who doesn't (except when they forget their phones by accident)?!
Yes Ying Haiyang, cell phones of course have its advantages, like keeping in touch with others, but we are talking about the classroom now! In the classroom there are mostly disadvantages regarding cell phones - the only advantage I can think about, is using it in an oral English class as a dictionary!
How can education be improved to accommodate cell phones, Gina?! I think cell phones would remain an annoyance in the classrooms (for the teachers, of course!) for many years to come. But, of course, in a language class it is a handy tool when you need a dictionary.
Hui Ying, every class is only 90 minutes long (with a five-minute break). So, I don't believe that an external emergency can be so big that it can't wait till after class. I think it is because most people are selfish and self-centred (they are brought up like that, unfortunately) and they believe that everything on their phones is important. Using of the phone in the classroom should be well-controlled by the students themselves. But can they?!
That is true, Luo Yuanyuan, that a cell phone is required in a language class (other than the native language, of course) where there are not sufficient numbers of e-dictionaries. But of course it can then be easily abused as the students are allowed to have their phones with them. Some students are good with self-control and discipline, but there are always those ones who don't care and would use the phone for other purposes too in class. But I think your class is doing very well with their phones and I believe I can trust most of them. ;-)
Well Lu Wenjun, if the teacher agrees on the limited use of phones in the classroom, then it is not disrespectful; but as soon as they start using it for messages and playing, then I believe you are correct that it is very disrespectful toward the teacher. Some teachers don't really care, but to some (like myself!) it is a insult when students use their phones beyond what they are permitted.
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